In this episode of Beyond Rockets, Clark sits down with Erica Hardesty, Founder & Executive Director of Make It Matter Collective and Owner of Noella’s Flowers, to explore how one idea, one flower truck, and one leap of faith turned into a movement changing the lives of young people aging out of foster care.
Erica shares her journey from social work to launching a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring teens ages 13–19, providing stability, life skills, and real pathways to adulthood. She also opens up about building Noella’s Flowers—from a vintage truck to a thriving storefront—and how it fuels job opportunities and funding for Make It Matter.
The conversation dives into:
What it really looks like for teens aging out of foster care in Alabama
How Make It Matter is partnering with Huntsville City Schools
The vision behind the 614 Initiative, a $7.5M housing project designed to provide safe, supportive transitional living
The role of mentorship, community, and faith in building long-term change
What anyone with a dream or idea should do next
Whether you're interested in social impact, entrepreneurship, community building, or Huntsville’s growing nonprofit landscape, this episode will absolutely inspire you.
https://www.makeitmattercollective.com
Sponsored by Yellowhammer Brewing — learn more at yellowhammerbrewery.com.
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